Fire safety advice for OAPs

Firefighters from Milngavie Fire Station were out in the community last week visiting vulnerable groups as part of their Fire Safety Initiative.

The drive was part of a nationwide ‘Week of Action’ to highlight the danger of fires aimed at preventing accidental house fires and the tragedies they cause.

The unprecedented move follows a recent appeal from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) for the public to help it reach those most likely to be killed or injured as a result of a fire.

Stephen Ruth, station manager at Milngavie, said: “We all need to do what we can to protect not only ourselves but also those around us. Thankfully there have been no fire fatalities within East Dunbartonshire in 2015; however we have seen a worrying rise in the number of accidental dwelling fires, particularly those involving more elderly residents.

“Operational crews are doing all that they can to get the safety message out to those most at risk from fire and to that end they have visited sheltered housing complexes within Milngavie and Bearsden.

“The free Home Fire Safety Visit (HFSV) service that they provide is the best way to ensure that residents are protected from the risk posed by a fire within the home.”

The free HFSVs take around 20 minutes to complete, and are conducted by local SFRS crews at a time convenient for the householder.

Mr Ruth added: “When responsible citizens put vulnerable people in touch with us it can make all the difference and I’d appeal for everyone to consider if they know someone who is potentially vulnerable and could benefit from our support”.

Area manager James Hymas, the SFRS local senior officer for East Dunbartonshire, said: “Between January and June this year, 30 people lost their lives as a result of fires in Scotland.

“We know many fires where someone is killed or injured could be prevented and our crews are reaching out to anyone who could use our advice or support.”

For more information on a HFSV for yourself or if you know someone who could benefit, call 0800 073 1999 or text FIRE to 80800.